New Dad

Being a new Dad can be scary, but the most rewarding feeling. There will be lots of things you didn’t know. You may feel unready or like this Dad thing wasn’t made for you. Good news is, all first time Dads are scared. Its very overwhelming at first. You will have many questions, don’t be afraid to ask. The hospital is a great learning time. Ask, ask, and then ask some more. Hospital staff has heard every question you could imagine.

Giving Birth

We’ve heard it is the most beautiful thing to watch. It is, but be prepared to see the not so beautiful part about it too. Your love may pee or poo, there will be blood and stuff you didn’t know existed. Be understanding and helpful during this time. That beautiful woman of yours has a lot to worry about while birthing. Being embarrassed about normal bodily, birthing functions should not have to be one of them. Don’t bring up how gross, or light headed you were because she was going through something 100 times harder. Give her love and support. Tell her how beautiful and brave she is. Thank her for bringing your child into the world. Some significant others give a “Birthing Gift”. Just a heads up, you may cry like a little baby. It will give you tears of joy you didn’t see coming. 

Baby’s need to burp after every feeding

Their wobbly heads make it hard to burp at first. Burping comes in many different positions. See which one works best for you. Have someone show you each way to burp and use the most comfortable to you. Spit up is very normal. Sometimes its seems like they spit up their whole feeding. It usually looks like more than what it is. If you feel they spit up excessively, talk to your doctor about GERD. Keep burp cloths handy. Keep baby upright 10-15 minutes after feeding. Keeping upright helps settle their tummy and should help with excessive spit ups.

Diapers

Grab both ankles with one hand and clean bottoms and genitals with the opposite hand. Diapers can leak. Make sure you keep diapers snug to bodies to prevent leaking. Babies poo will be a dark black color, and tarry-looking for first few days. It will turn green and yellow earth tones when the meconium (sterile poo) has expelled itself from the intestines. Babies can poo several times a day. Its usually very evident when they need a diaper change. Faces and loud noises from that tiny body will surprise you.

Pacifier

Discuss with your wife if you will be using pacifiers or not. Some dads give pacifiers when left alone with the baby. Its a quick solution to crying in most cases. Sometimes pacifiers can cause nipple confusion. If your wife is planning on breastfeeding, make sure you and her discuss pacifier plan. 

 

Mistakes

We all make mistakes when parenting. It happens, don’t be too hard on one another. First time parents should share things they learn, so they are on the same page. For example: My husband didn’t know babies shouldn’t have peanut butter before the age of one. We were scared and I was upset at first. Our baby is fine, no harm done (don’t try at home). We learned from it and tried to educate each other on bits we learned. Studies have varied since then so do your research. Help each other out and try to learn as much as possible in each month of your child’s development.

Have questions? Just ask. We have a community of parents asking the same thing. 

Let us know what we left out and what helped you as a new dad.

We are here to help!